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Are you tired of staring at your system screen, waiting for programs to open or files to load?

A slow-running computer can be a major frustration, affecting everything from work productivity to your evening Netflix binge.

Frustrated man on laptop

Speeding up your box is easier than you think.

If updates are available, click Download and install.

If there’s an update, click Update Now to implement the latest version.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Keep OS up to date

Linux

you could upgrade your system via the terminal using the commandsudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.

If you’re using a Linux distro, there should also be a software updater system installed.

ChromeOS

For ChromeOS, go to configs and About Chrome OS and select Check for updates.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - remove junkware

If there’s an update, it will automatically download and prompt for a restart.

Go to parameters, Apps, then Installed Apps to see a list of all your programs.

opt for apps you don’t want, poke the three buttons to the right, and select Uninstall.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Limit startup processes

Drag unwanted applications from the Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.

Use the commandsudo apt remove [package_name]in the terminal.

Go to tweaks, Apps, and Manage your apps.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Windows Disk Cleanup

you could then snag the program you wish to remove and click Uninstall.

Startup processes consume system resources such as CPU, memory (RAM), and disk usage.

I almost never use Skype, so it made sense to disable this feature.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Check for viruses and spyware

Here’s how to check and change which of your apps are starting automatically.

Disabling this option will improve your system’s speed when starting.

The tool scans your system for files that can be safely deleted without impacting functionality.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Change power mode to Best Performance

Choose the file types to delete and click OK to free up space.

you might also use theStorage Senseutility, which automates the cleanup process, regularly scanning and removing unneeded files.

To do this, go to tweaks > System > Storage, and toggle on Storage Sense.

Screenshot showing methods of speeding up computer - Turn off notifications

you’re free to adjust the configs to suit your preferences.

In addition to Storage Sense, the Storage page has the option torun Cleanuprecommendations.

This provides tailored suggestions for removing unused files and apps to free up space.

MacOS doesn’t come with a virus scan feature like Windows.

However, all Macs have several built-in security features to protect your system from malware and viruses.

These include macOSs built-in antivirus software, XProtect, and its Malware Removal Tool.

If you want to perform additional checks, you could download a third-party antivirus solution for extra protection.

It’s available in the Ubuntu repositories.

However, Chromebook users can occasionally have issues with malware.

To avoid this, download applications from the Google Play Store only and avoid third-party sites.

Change power mode to Best Performance

Some operating systems offer various power modes that balance performance and energy consumption.

However, this improvement in performance comes with inevitable trade-offs like increased power consumption and reduced battery life.

For Intel-based Macs, the ‘Turbo Boost Switcher’ app can help manage performance prefs.

Otherwise, adjust energy saver options for optimal performance.

Use commands liketopandxrandrin the terminal to manage power options and performance.

you’ve got the option to adjust parameters like screen brightness in the parameters of your Linux distro.

Power management options are limited, but ensure screen brightness and unnecessary apps are minimized for best performance.

Turn off notifications

Excessive notifications can be a distraction and may impact system performance by consuming resources.

Managing which apps can send notifications can help maintain focus and keep your system running smoothly.

Manage notifications in prefs > System > Notifications, toggling off apps you do not wish to hear from.

Adjust notification configs in System Preferences > Notifications & Focus.

Notification tweaks vary based on the desktop environment, but you will usually find them in system tweaks.

If you’re using an Ubuntu distro, go to tweaks and select Notifications.

ChromeOS doesn’t support notifications, so this won’t be an issue for Chromebook users.

After trying the steps above, you should find that your rig is much faster and easier to use.

However, both these options cost money, which may not be cost-effective if your setup is older.

They also require technical know-how and can be time-consuming to set up.

In many cases, the steps we’ve outlined will be enough to make a big difference.

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